Affordable Kitchen Countertops

Style and affordability don't have to be mutually exclusive when you get creative countertop materials that mimic the look and feel of luxurious surfaces—for a fraction of the cost.

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Save money without sacrificing style with tile countertops. Available in many styles, patterns and colors, tile is a low-cost alternative to expensive countertop surfaces such as natural stone. Design by Greta Goss

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Thanks to recent innovations in laminate (think faux patterning that looks very similar to real stone), and the popularity of eco- and budget-friendly materials like bamboo, concrete and recycled glass, it is possible to make your kitchen look much more expensive than it really is.

The keys to finding an affordable kitchen countertop that works well in your particular space: shop smart and get creative. Can't shake your affinity for granite? Forgo the slabs in favor of more affordable granite tiles.

Speaking of tiles, use ceramic or porcelain tiles to create an interesting mosaic (and do it yourself for extra cost savings) for a surface that's as good-looking as it is durable.

Don't discount sustainable surfaces, either. Recycled glass countertops make a statement in the kitchen when you add LED lighting, while concrete can be stained in the color of your choice to match your color palette. Bamboo or butcher block countertops are handsome and inexpensive alternatives to stone surfaces, and they're known for adding warmth to the kitchen.